Twilight Express Mizukaze
Luxurious cruise train, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is seen here shortly after departing from Kyoto
Jerome Laborde
West Japan's Luxury Night Train
The Twilight Express Mizukaze is a super luxury sleeper train in Japan. The JR Twilight Express Mizukaze operates between Kyoto and Shimonoseki at the western tip of Honshu in Yamaguchi for the one-night, two-day trip, or does a round-trip back to Kyoto for the two-nights, three-day option.
Since June 2017, a new super luxury train entered service in Japan. Operated by JR West Japan, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is an excursion train that operates from Kyoto to West Japan and back to the old Japanese capital.
The Mizukaze routes in West Japan
There are two different tours currently available. A 2-day, 1-night trip from Kyoto to Shimonoseki along the Sanyo Line, stopping at Miyajima and Onomichi.
The circular tour starts from and returns to Kyoto, and this 3-day 2-night trip stops at Okayama, Unna/Matsue, and Tottori/Higashihama along the way. It will also slow down in front of major highlights and renowned natural landscapes such as the Setonaikai National Park, the Orii Coast, Lake Shinji, Mount Daisen and the Amarube Viaduct. This route will show you the most beautiful hidden gems of West Japan, and give you the opportunity to admire the region's stunning panoramas and vistas comfortably seated, behind large open windows and even outdoor observation decks.
Onboard the Twilight Express Mizukaze
The train itself is a hybrid diesel, allowing it to run on the un-electrified San-in Line, and consists of ten cars carrying a maximum of only 30 passengers.
It was designed by industrial designer Tetsuo Fukuda whose other train works include the Sunrise Seto, Sunrise Izumo, and the N700 Series Shinkansen.
The interior was designed by Kazuya Ura whose experience is in designing luxury hotels, as the train really is a hotel on rails. The two end cars are observation cars, both with an exterior viewing platform.
Logo & Staff
Twin room on the Twilight Express Mizukaze
@JR West
Twin room on the Twilight Express Mizukaze by night
@JR West
JR West
JR West
The dining car, with its open kitchen, serves meals designed by some of Japan's top chefs, and the lounge car has a well-stocked bar, featuring live music and hosting tea ceremonies during the trip. Four of the sleeping cars have three twin rooms each, all en-suite of course, with their own private bathroom.
One car has a couple of single rooms as well as a twin room, and one car is completely taken up by the most expensive option, a suite.
